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B.C. LANDSCAPE & NURSERY ASSOCIATION PUBLICATION • FEBRUARY 2008
Numerous safety resources are at your disposal from the CNLA and WorkSafeBC. To access these items, go to www.canadanursery.com and www.worksafebc.com.
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BCLNA Board
Highlights 4
BCLNA News Bulletins
Safety Pays
Safe Worksites Require Reinforcement If you didn’t make a new year’s resolution to more effectively deliver safety training, today begins your second chance. As we move into the season of new hires, unfamiliar jobsites, and more rapidly moving workplace environments, it’s the ideal time to develop training habits to see you through this busy season and well into the next. Developing a training program need not be onerous, time consuming or costly. What it needs is a commitment for consistent delivery, a little preparation, and the recognition that its outcome is directly linked to your bottom line. A strong program stands to save you incalculable dollars in insurance claims and potentially skyrocketing premiums, lost man-hours,
retraining of replacement staff, and potential damage to equipment, landscape clients’ yards, and your reputation.
8 Landscape & Retail News 10 Green Scene 11 BCMAL Report
WorkSafeBC and the Farm and Ranch Safety & Health Association (FARSHA) are good places to begin when embarking on a company-wide occupational health and safety program. Both will assist in assessing your business’ needs and hazards, and help you to better organize your company’s staff and assets for the safest outcomes. But don’t make the mistake of thinking your safety stint is done once those programs are in place. Repetitive strain doesn’t apply to the brain: reinforcement is key. continued on page 14
12 Grower Updates
13 Industry Bits
21st Annual Auction February 26 See Inserts for Catalogue
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Message from the President
Safety Consiousness Key to Healthy Staff & Bottom Line For many, it has been a winter of relaxation and fun. The holiday period has provided the opportunity to socialize (that is, eat, drink, and make merry). We all know that this has not provided us with necessary physical activity to maintain fitness for the heavy work involved in both the landscape and nursery sectors of our industry. As owners and managers, being aware of the physical condition of employees at the start of the season can greatly reduce the risk of injury and insurance claims. This month’s issue of HortWest focuses on the need to be aware of workplace
HortWest FEBRUARY 2008 MANAGING EDITOR Renata Triveri ADVERTISING Barb Nelson Phone: (604) 574-7772 Fax: (604) 574-7773
HortWest is the Newsletter of the B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association for the horticultural trade in Western Canada. For further information, contact us at: Suite 102, 5783 – 176A Street Surrey, B.C., Canada V3S 6S6 Telephone (604) 574-7772 Fax (604) 574-7773 HortWest is owned by the B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association, and is published 10 times a year. Views expressed inside do not necessarily reflect the attitudes of the Association but are those of the writer concerned. Material may not be reprinted from this magazine without the consent of the publisher. All advertising and editorial material are to be received one month in advance of mail out date. HortWest is mailed under Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement N. 0288608 This magazine is printed in Canada by Globe Printers.
risks and provides suggestions on only a few areas to assist in developing a worker program, which can benefit both the employee and the employer.
Hiring a CHT, or providing training leading toward your employees’ CHT designations, is an excellent way to develop a safety-first mentality in the work force.
BCLNA members have enjoyed relatively
As we begin the 2008 season, may we all set goals to reduce workplace injuries. Each of us — doing our own small part — can benefit our entire industry, and reward ourselves with safer, healthier staff, improved recruitment and retention, reduced injury claims, and stable insurance premiums.
low insurance premiums due to the efforts of all in the industry. In order to continue to receive these benefits, good jobsite safety programs must continue and be improved. Some areas to consider: • Employee training for each task, • Worksite orientation, • Review of safe equipment operation and working around equipment, • Reinforcement of proper lifting and material handling methods, • Consistent monthly/weekly safety meetings, and daily tailgate meetings to remind staff of these messages.
Fred Giesbrecht, President B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association
INSTALLATION
SERVICES Landscape Contractors Wanted The Home Depot is installing residential landscapes and is looking for additional landscape professionals to design and build landscapes in Western Canada. We have great opportunities in Greater Vancouver, Abbotsford, Cranbrook, Kelowna, Kamloops, Prince George, Vernon, Victoria and West Bank. If you are interested in finding out more about joining the Home Depot landscape team, please contact:
Lindsay Davidson (604) 463-0075 lindsaysplantsource@shaw.ca
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BCLNA Board Highlights
Monday, January 21, 2008 President’s Report
Landscape Commodity
Inside BC Market Development
A recruiting committee has been formed to fill the position of executive director. The committee includes members with clear visions of our industry’s future and extensive human resource management experience. Announcements have been widely circulated across Canada and the USA; additionally, ads will be placed in the National Post and Vancouver Sun.
A listserv will soon be available to landscape members to make it easy to seek advice, share information, and post job opportunities and resumes for each other via email. BCLNA will use the system to forward the increasing number of public requests for landscape services received in the office.
125,000 copies of the restructured GardenWise ‘Healthy Garden Guide’ (included with this issue of HortWest Magazine), will be distributed throughout BC during 2008, to the benefit of a healthy BC environment and to reinforce a positive image of our industry and BCLNA. Copies are also being sent to important partners in government, industry and the community.
Environment Island Chapter Anthony Krakau (The Garden Beautifier) is resigning from his position as Interior Chair. This was not an easy decision for Anthony as he strongly believes in the BCLNA and its progressive evolution over the years. The board is very appreciative of all that he has done. The BCLNA will be recruiting a new person for this position.
A small group of retailers and growers explored which environmentally responsible production practices retailers can reasonably expect of growers, and which growers can easily implement. The use and recycling of plastic pots and poly film is a top priority; solving this problem will meet both public and industry needs.
Special Events The annual Fundraising Auction is taking place on February 26 at United Flower Growers. The Mardi-Gras themed event is open to family and friends of BCLNA members, and donations are still being accepted.
From the Executive Director
A Personal Message to Members Thanks to the many people—BCLNA staff, executive, board and members— who have supported me regarding my health and my choice to leave the position of BCLNA’s executive director. My health issue was an August cold, diagnosed as pneumonia by November, and re-diagnosed in December as a rare respiratory condition. I’m well on the road to recovery, but working from home via access to BCLNA computer files and email, as high drug doses and
healing lungs make me vulnerable to catching common viruses. I look forward to continue contributing to our vibrant and important industry. My great grandfather was the manager of Royal Nurseries, an early BC nursery, and the last of my family members left horticulture in about 1980. Consequently, your industry has always felt like mine too. However, I am looking forward to being a quality grandmother to two little girls, and to even going on occasional out-of-the country horticulture tours.
Jane Stock, Executive Director BC Landscape & Nursery Association
Jane with granddaughters Megan (19 months) and Katie (8 months).
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BCLNA News Bulletins
BCLNA Searches for New Director BCLNA’s board of directors has announced
that it is initiating a search for a new executive director to replace Jane Stock. After 13 years as executive director, Stock, along with the BCLNA board, are exploring opportunities for her to provide the industry with special project and government liaison services, where her experience and extensive contacts will be invaluable. Stock will continue as BCLNA’s executive director throughout the search period. BCLNA President Fred Giesbrecht commented, “Jane has provided strong leadership and vision throughout her time as Executive Director. At her request, her employment relationship with us will change; our board looks forward to her continued contributions.”
“This change of management and operational structure is a positive one for the Association as well as for me personally,” said Stock. “It allows me to focus on the part of my work which I do best and most enjoy, and at the same time, gives me time to deal with a temporary health issue.”
The BCLNA will continue to be well managed given its highly competent staff and consultants who will work under the leadership of directors and Jane to ensure its responsibilities are fulfilled. For more information on the executive director search, go to www.bclna.com.
Buyers Guide 2008 Now Available Buyers Guide 2008 is now available to BCLNA members, allied trades, and industry purchasers. If you did not receive a copy with this issue of HortWest Magazine, or if you would like additional copies, send a request and the appropriate mailing address to info@bclna.com. This handy resource is provided free of charge.
New Resource on BCLNA.com A new event calendar has been launched on BCLNA.com to keep members better informed of educational and event opportunities both within our industry, and in affiliated industries.
The BCLNA’s office landscaping received a finishing touch this winter, thanks to generous donors at Blasig Landscape Design & Construction Ltd. (Ruth Olde & Gunter Blasig), RW Ironworks (Ray Blackman), and Kate Holland Landscape Accessories Ltd. (Nick Pook). BCLNA members and staff are very proud of the new office that was financed by member loans and landscaped through member donations. The artwork now resides at the office’s front door, where it has been much admired by visitors and neighbours.
hide or show events in the Lower Mainland, Interior, Vancouver Island, or outside BC, click the down-arrow next to the “Agenda” view.
Check out this perpetual calendar to find programs, courses, and events offered by arborist, landscape architecture, retail, safety, and institutional organizations. You will also find your favourite tradeshows and important commodity meetings listed for easy planning. You can even merge it with your own Google Calendar or iCal, or subscribe to it to receive automatic updates. To find future or review past listings, just click the left and right arrows next to the “Today” link; to
To access the calendar, go to www.bclna.com and click on the Education & Events Calendar link.
BCAC Working to Foster Youth Involvement The BCAC is working with a group of young farmers and representatives from the allied trades to develop a BC Young Farmers group. Its goal is to provide a venue where young people can develop their leadership skills, improve agricultural business knowledge, and explore their individual talents. As a result, the group is looking for nominees, aged 19 to 40, to participate in the planning committee and become involved in both provincial and national events. Its first task will be to organize an educational and social event for farmers between 19 and 40 in early spring. To nominate a young person to join this committee, or to find out more information, please contact Ravi Cheema (creeksidehothouse@hotmail.com) or Christine Koch (christine@bcac.bc.ca), and look for BC Young Farmers at the BCAC booth at the Pacific Agriculture Show at Tradex in Abbotsford from February 14 to 16.
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VanDusen Rejuvenates Master planning of VanDusen Botanical Garden’s building renewal project began last month under the direction of the multiaward-winning architectural firm Busby Perkins + Will, and landscape architect, Cornelia Hahn Oberlander. The project will include redevelopment of the existing entrance and will feature a renovated gift shop and food service facilities. A mixeduse pavilion will be installed at the base of the garden’s Great Lawn. A second phase is anticipated to renovate and expand the Floral Hall, multi-function, administration, library and education spaces. The project proceeds under the joint leadership of the Vancouver Park Board, VanDusen Botanical Garden Association, and acting garden managers Judy Osburn (Business Operations Manager) and James Warkentin (Garden Foreman), given the recent resignation of Director, Chris Woods. Woods’ resignation, following just a year in the position, came as a disappointment to the Park Board and Association. Said Woods, “I simply received an offer I could not refuse, and no doubt, my position as VanDusen’s Director played a role in that. I thought better to leave now, before construction is underway. This is not a decision I have taken lightly, but I know it is the right one for me.”
Kew Director to Speak Professor Stephen Hopper, Director of Royal Botanic Garden, Kew, will be giving a lecture entitled Botanic Gardens: Plant Diversity and Living with Global Change. The event, hosted by VanDusen Botanical Garden, will be held on April 7 at St George’s School in Vancouver, and is expected to sell out quickly. To order tickets ($25 for VanDusen members, $35 for non-members) contact VanDusen at (604) 878-9821. ■
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the classifieds For Sale Used Super JAVO potting machine, in very good working condition. Complete with new pot dispenser including 2 m long conveyor. New pneumatic auto take-off, new 6 m long variable speed pot conveyor. Pot holders 4", 5", 6", 1 gallon, 2 gallon and 3 gallon. Price $19,800 obo. Phone Peter 604 857-2572
Call us for all your native and ornamental plant needs
Business Opportunity 25 YEARS OF SUCCESS! Presents
KNOW YOUR TOW Information Sessions (2hrs)
LINNAEA
NURSERIES LTD. Tel: 604-533-8281 Fax: 604-533-8246 1-888-327-7705 email: linnaea@telus.net 3666 - 224th Street, Langley, BC V2Z 2G7 Canada
* Is your driver’s licence legal? * Is your vehicle licence legal? * How to calculate weights. * Required pre-trip routines. * CVSE roadside inspections. To Book, Call Rich at Valley Driving School
604 513 5884
GROWER SERVICES LTD. "HARD GOODS & PLANT MATERIAL FROM THE WORLD'S FINEST SOURCES" • ITML & KORD CONTAINERS • PLUG TRAYS: LANDMARK & TLC • ITML NURSERY CONTAINERS • JIFFY & PREFORMA GROWING SYSTEMS
8168 River Way, Delta, B.C. V4G 1K5 Tel: 604-946-5641 Fax: 604-946-0234 Toll Free: 1-800-498-7403 www.crofton.ca
Looking for a rewarding career in the construction industry? This paving stone and retaining wall installation company is the answer. Projects are obtained primarily through word-of-mouth due to many years of excellent service and superior workmanship. We are also one of the only companies that utilizes mechanical paving stone and retaining wall installation techniques.
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e We have over $400,000.00 worth of very well maintained equipment that has already been DOT certified, serviced and ready to go for the 2008 construction year. Offered at only $825,000, this is a rare and tremendous investment opportunity for individuals seeking a solid future for themselves in booming Alberta.
Established produce business is looking to partner with a retail nursery operation. Site is located on a highly visible corner in Surrey. For further information call Randy 604-649-3778.
Help Wanted
Erica Enterprises Wholesale Nursery Ltd. Going concern facility, growing nursery stock in rural Pitt Meadows on quiet no through road. Sale includes: 3,800 sq. ft. 3 year old residence, 19.49 acres of level land, warehouse, greenhouses, delivery truck and all machinery. Asking price $4,064,000 Canadian. Plant inventory is not included in sale and can be negotiated separately. Erica Enterprises Ltd., 14021 Rippington Road, Pitt Meadows BC V3Y 1Z1 Phone 604 465-6732; Fax 604 465-2307, Email ericaenterprises@shaw.ca
Van Noort Bulb Company Sales and Marketing Manager Van Noort Bulb Company is a familyowned and operated third generation Canadian horticultural business that sets the industry standard for price, quality and selection. The Sales and Marketing Manager is responsible for maintaining and increasing Van Noort Bulb Company market-share by servicing and maintaining long-term relationships with existing customers and securing new accounts throughout the geographical area served. The incumbent will work closely with the General Manager to lead the marketing and sales initiatives, encouraging, developing and motivating existing and new employees.
Proven sales, organizational skills and team building are essential; a postsecondary education in sales/marketing is desirable. Knowledge and skills in the use of Office Suite (Excel, Word and P/P) with a willingness to learn new software are necessary. Knowledge of the horticultural industry would be an asset. If you have strong analytical and quantitative skills, a customer focus, are self-motivated/quick-start, possess excellent communication skills, well organized, possess a creative flair and enjoy team work, this position may be of interest to you. Willingness and ability to travel – under 10 trade shows annually and approximately 5 sales trips. Salary – Negotiable. Please email cathy@vannoortbulb.com with your resume or fax – 604.888.7640. Visit www.vannoortbulb.com for more information.
Qualified person, with previous management experience to manage new retail nursery operation located in Surrey. Fax your resume to 604-574-5773 or email to cf@shawbiz.ca.
Sumas Gro–Media Ltd.
• Raw materials purchased in advance helps to ensure product consistency and availability.
The Next Generation in Soil Mixing Our Mixes are Double Screened
• Multiple computers control the dosing equipment, increasing accuracy and speed. This makes it easier to offer competitively priced products.
Sumas Gro–Media specializes in the production of specialty crop mixes for the nursery, bedding plants, perennial and blueberry crops. We also have seedling and propagation soils.
• Non-invasive mixing equipment protects the structure and consistency of the media. Premium raw ingredients produce a consistent end product every time.
• Fast, reliable delivery.
42481 Industrial Way, Chilliwack, B.C.
604.823-6688
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Staff of Surrey’s Blue Pine Enterprises Ltd., BCLNA member since 2005, took part in landscape Christmas festivities. The company specializes in hard and soft landscape construction for the municipal, commercial, and residential markets of the Lower Mainland, serving the region with a full time workforce of 80.
Landscape & Retail News
Foreign Workers for Landscape Won’t Come Easy Last fall, we reported that the Western Agriculture Labour Initiative (W.A.L.I.) was working towards helping landscape employers gain access to foreign low skill workers. W.A.L.I. met with BCLNA members in November to clarify industry needs and job descriptions for workers. It was determined that developing a uniform employment contract with a foreign recruitment agency—to be approved by Service Canada (much like the SAWP program)—would result in an accelerated immigration process. Due to the current
Some of 2007’s newly certified members were recognized for their achievement at the Landscaper’s Christmas Party in December. From left to right, back row: Laurie Anderson CLP, Jennifer Portsmouth CHT, Cable Baker CHT (Certification Chair), Christine Croton CHT, Ray Gerein (Finning Canada, Premier Sponsor), Ira Leimanis CHT. Front row: Bruce Hunter CLD, Audrie Vanderwerf CLD, Chris Haslock CHT, Denis Gour CHT, Joshua Leonard. massive demand Service Canada is facing from every industry, W.A.L.I. has found that it cannot expedite the process even with a standardized contract. W.A.L.I. will continue in its efforts to
develop and facilitate a streamlined system, but for the time being landscape employers should continue their recruitment efforts
independently. According to Service Canada, Labour Market Opinions (LMOs) submitted last June are still being processed, so a triage system has been implemented. Applications that are 100% complete, and those for seasonal workers, will be given priority; however, anyone applying now will not be guaranteed a response in time for spring.
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Last year, Landscape Alberta Nursery Trades Association (LANTA) developed a very thorough manual that shares the step-by-step process for hiring a foreign worker. With LANTA’s permission, BCLNA has adapted it. You can access it online at bclna.com, along with links to Service Canada, the national HRSDC job bank and National Occupational Classification (NOC) code wages and job descriptions. There has been much confusion as to whether the application process is accelerated for industries declared Occupations Under Pressure (OUP). BCLNA staff has been told that this is not the case, although in some provinces, OUPs have lesser proof of recruitment requirements. In BC, the recruitment efforts for OUPs and non-OUPs are the same: one week posting on the national job bank and one week posting on a local job board or classified ad. When advertising, be sure to state wages and use job description wording similar to that used in the landscape-related NOC codes. The Regional Foreign Worker Consultant at Service Canada is no longer Jenny Lo. Please contact Marilyn Leonidas at (604) 666-8600 if you have further questions about the foreign worker program.
New Certs Celebrated The landscape commodity held its annual Christmas party at the Executive Plaza in Coquitlam on December 5, celebrating newly certified CHTs, CLPs and CLDs, and taking in informative presentations from the evening’s generous Silver Sponsors. Special thanks to Premier Tech Biotechnologies, Greenstar Plant Products and the Construction Safety Network for their educational contributions and sponsorships. Thanks also to Bronze Sponsor, Pacific Arborist Supplies, and to the door prize donors. ■
Help Host the World! Suppliers: show your industry pride and capitalize on a unique marketing opportunity by becoming an IGCA sponsor! • • •
Help a host retailer with merchandising Sponsor a special event Showcase your product in a Congress Guidebook ad
Contact Donna Budd to learn about sponsorship potential: donnabudd-igca@telus.net or (604) 467-7966. For more about the IGCA Congress, visit www.igcaCongress.com or contact Renata Triveri: rtriveri@telus.net.
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Green Scene
Infrared Helps Keep Company Green Germany’s internationally appreciated garden tradeshow, GAFA, has a reputation for launching the hottest horticulture and landscape products for distribution around the world. If you have a keen eye for great ideas, and an interest in developing business opportunities around them, this is the place to begin your search. It was there that Louie and Anne Murgg of ForevergreenTM came across a solution to reducing chemical use in his clients’yards. A Langley-area landscaper since 1986, Louie was conscious of the growing reliance on herbicides for weed control. He was also well aware of the growing concern about their harmful effects, not just in Canada but in Europe too. The Austrian native, through his horticulturallyinclined family, kept abreast of the environmental trends that have since led that country to becoming one of the most advanced producers of organic crops in the world. It must also be said that he has a bit of a penchant for really good inventions — things that are cleverly designed and effective. When he discovered a manufacturer of infrared Eco-Weeders, all these interests combined and he brought one home to try out. It proved to be a smart move. The small, wheeled machine (which generates up to 1000ºC radiant heat in ceramic casings to kill weeds and their
seeds) was of instant value for the Murgg’s business. So much so, that ForevergreenTM became their North American distributor, importing a variety of models to manage weed control for residences, schools, parks, hospitals, greenhouses and animal housing, where the machines’ anti-bacterial and fungicidal properties are also appreciated. Says Louie, “Eco-Weeders have made a big difference in our company. The infrared radiation only penetrates a couple of millimeters into the soil, so it has no negative effect on the garden’s health. We don’t use any chemicals to get rid of weeds on paved areas because the Eco-Weeders work better, and the weed-free period is much longer.” While the benefit has been clear for commercial clients, Louie adds, “The residential sector has seen the biggest increase in sales, which shows the public’s awareness to reducing the use of chemicals.” Eco-Weeders are just one tool ForevergreenTM uses as in efforts to be a more environmentally conscious landscape company. “We visit lots of tradeshows and attend seminars regularly so we can continue to update ourselves on best practices for the environment. You have to educate yourself and find ways to improve a little at a time. We’ve even been checking into biofuels for our vehicles and equipment.”
Enviro Tips from Forevergreen TM
• Switch to 100% organic fertilizers, • Use corn gluten for pre-emergent weed control, • Apply nematodes for grub control, • Buy from S.O.D. certified suppliers, • Try tools like dandelion drills, infrared & hot air weed machines, • Upgrade machinery regularly for optimum performance, • Organize your routes and streamline your service areas for best fuel and time efficiency, • Be conscientious about recycling organic refuse and consumables, • Attend tradeshows and seminars to keep up to date on new products and practices, and remain on the leading edge, • Get certified (CHT, pesticide, etc), • Send staff for training and encourage apprenticeship.
Green Beam on Sustainability Branch Smith Publishing’s online media, Green Beam, has launched a sustainability blog for folks in the horticulture industry. Project Green Industry provides snippets of information about what business people are doing and thinking about environmental health. To access the blog, go to www.greenbeam.com and click on “Sustainability Blog.” ■
For All Your Insurance Needs
Created for the green industry. Protecting the green industry.
D
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BCMAL Report
New
BCLNA Members
Research Snippet Nitrogen and Phosphorus Uptake Efficiency and partitioning of Container-grown Azalea During Spring Growth ( J. Amer. Soc. Hort. 132(4):563-571) The study investigated growth and nutrient uptake of 12 to 18 month old ‘Karen’ azaleas under different combinations of N (25, 100, and 250 mg N per week) and P (0, 5 and 25 mg P per week) fertility. The trials were conducted over a 10-week period from March to May. The plants were fertilized one time per week with a balanced fertilizer solution and twice with water. The study determined that azalea root weight is not improved with high P
fertilization, but increases under conditions of low nutrient concentration. Optimal P rates should be between 0 to 5 mg/week for young azaleas. More optimal root:shoot ratios can be maintained at moderate N rates. At the highest nutrient regimes (250 mg N (=1,100 kg N/ha per year) or 25 mg P), the plants only used between 11 to 16% of the total N or P applied. Uptake efficiency was increased two to four times by reducing the rates of both N and P. The authors concluded that “phosphorus fertility in azalea should be based on an N rate that is sufficient for growth and one that stimulates higher uptake efficiencies.” Based on the results of this study, an N:P ratio of 20:1 (100 mg N: 5 mg P) was sufficient for 12- to 18-month-old ‘Karen’ azaleas. ■
In Memoriam
D
Dan Matsushita April 19, 1938 – December 7, 2007
Dan was born in the Kitsilano family home at 4th and Pine. During the war he and his family were interned at Popoff in the Slocan Valley. The family later moved to a farm in St. Catharines, Ontario where Dan’s interest in horticulture was kindled. After receiving his diploma from OAC in Guelph in 1963 Dan, and his best friend Fred, loaded up his MGB and drove across Canada, originally intent on the warm climes of California. They happened to catch Vancouver on a sunny day in March. Enchanted by the weather as well as the scenery, they decided to call it home. Soon after, Dan met and married Jean, his wife of 43 years. They had two children, daughter Dana and son Jeff. Dan was a BC Society of Landscape Architects charter member. He tirelessly volunteered his time and expertise on the BCSLA board of directors. From 1965 to 1972, Dan was the first Landscape Designer for the Vancouver Board of Parks where his influence can still be seen today at Rupert Park, Second Beach, Bloedel Conservatory, Barclay Heritage
Square and many other public spaces. Dan also served as a volunteer for the Canadian Executive Service Overseas and Aboriginal Projects, where he provided his expertise as a Canadian Making a Difference in India, China and locally. Dan worked in the private and public sectors in Ontario and BC, was principal of Dan Matsushita Associates, and a founding partner in the DM Group (today we know the firm as DMG Landscape Architects) with David Mitchell and Barry Elliot. Dan left an enormous legacy of completed work throughout the province, earning numerous awards for his work. He developed long-term relationship with many clients and colleagues, who have continued to this day with the current partners in DMG. He will be missed by his many friends in the landscape industry. It was Dan’s request that there be no funeral service; a celebration of his life will be held at the University Golf Course this spring.
November 1, 2007 Board Meeting Final Approval The BCLNA welcomes the following new members: Busy Beaver Lawn Care Ed, Andy, Linda Stam, Chilliwack, Associate Ducharme Landscapes Robert Ducharme, Kelowna, Active Landscaper Engage Agro Corp. Sean Chiki, Guelph, Out of Province Land-Tech Services Inc. Jason Rebalkin, Maple Ridge, Active Landscaper (Interim) Westham Island Nursery Peter Woeste/Nicole Forrest, Delta, Active Grower (Interim) Dave Walton Langley, Individual Thomas Astle Victoria, Student
Tentative Approval The following companies will become BCLNA members at the next board meeting unless a member provides a valid reason for not accepting the application: City of Abbotsford Frank Baksics, Mission, Individual City of Victoria – Parks Department Gord Smith, Victoria, Associate Ecoworks Ron VanWyk, Abbotsford, Active Landscaper Dirtworks Landscape Development Ltd. Darryl Jmaeff, Kaleden, Active Landscaper Lawn Enforcement Chris Lee, Vancouver, Active Landscaper Ridpest Service Ltd. Arthur Guite, Langley, Associate School District #41 Karen Flynn, Burnaby, Individual Sticks ’N Stones Nursery Paul Skuse, Campbell River, Active Retailer Vancouver Snow Removal Neil Surkan, Vancouver, Active Landscaper (Interim) Yardworks Supply Ltd. Greg Ewasiuk, Richmond, Individual Jackie Hiebert Victoria, Student Barry Lynka Cobble Hill, Student
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Grower Updates
P. ramorum Compensation Requirements Changed The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) recently published amendments to the P. ramorum Compensation regulations. The amendments will promote timely compensation payments to individuals and nursery producers who incurred losses as a result of activities required by CFIA to eradicate Phytophthora ramorum (Sudden Oak Death) and to complete the agency’s eradication program. The amendments remove the requirement to first consider payments made under the Canadian Agriculture Income Stabilization (CAIS) or the new AgriStability program before making payment to the applicant. However, to reduce the risk of over-compensating, income stability programs will continue to take into account payments made under the Phytophthora Ramorum Compensation Regulations before the program makes any additional payments to the applicant. Compensation is intended to cover costs to nursery producers, wholesale, retail, landscape and private property owners for disposal of infected plant material
and soil, and loss of intended use for this plant material. Compensation payments will support the purchase of replacement plants as appropriate. The provision of compensation is in keeping with CFIA’s overall strategy to promote early reporting when pests are found and to assist producers in complying with their obligations to carry out eradication and control activities.
DPCP Launched Last Month The Canadian Nursery Certification Institute launched the Domestic Phytosanitary Nursery Certification Program (DPCP) last month, a program that utilizes an ISO-like approach to certify a grower’s plants free of regulated pests, and substantially free of other insects and disease. Developed by industry in cooperation with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, this is a domestic movement program only. However, a primary objective is to provide for the supply of “clean” nursery stock to the Canadian Nursery Certification Program (CNCP) for eventual export to the US. DPCP is considered to be a “core” program:
it will enable producers wishing to sell to CNCP nurseries with the core requirements
Retailers•Growers•Landscapers Brokers•Architects Are you buying from P. ramorum certified nurseries? Do your part to minimize the spread of this disease, and protect your company and your clients’ landscapes. For a list of certified nurseries, go to www.CanadaNursery.com and click on Nursery Programs.
of nursery certification, but each CNCP nursery will also have additional requirements specific to their individual CNCP program. Additional phytosanitary or bio-security measures may be required if a new pest issue arises. Becoming a DPCP certified grower will provide several benefits: • Certification allows for domestic movement of plants without the necessity of a visit from a CFIA inspector to issue movement certificates; • Having phytosanitary systems in place on the nursery will help protect the operation from foreign invasive species and all sorts of pests; • Being certified will help you produce and market your diligence in producing the cleanest plants possible. BC growers should also note that: • All growers shipping inter-provincially will be required to be on board this ‘clean stock’ program by 2010; • Participating in this program ensures you can continue to ship if a new alien pest is discovered in BC; • DPCP dovetails very neatly with the P. ramorum program. In fact, SOD certified nurseries are already doing about 80% of what is required for DPCP approval. It is intended that the P. ramorum and DPCP programs will be merged when the CFIA and USDA reach a SOD certification agreement.
It is anticipated that, as nurseries become certified, buyers will start to demand “certified plants.” Being prepared to respond to the inevitable market demand will put you at an advantage over those who wait. If you have any questions, or to find out about upcoming DPCP workshops contact the BC trainers or the BCLNA: Interior or Northern BC: Mario Lanthier (mario@crophealth.com) Lower Mainland or Vancouver Island: Peter Isaacson (peter@canadanursery.com) BCLNA Coordinator: Trina Tang (ttang@bclna.com) ■
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Industry Bits
Valleybrook Hosts Warkentin Joins Nursery Tour Northwest Missed the International Garden Centre Association Congress in South Africa? John and Kelly Schroeder have announced a return horticultural tour of the country, scheduled for October 2008. The annual tour, which has become a Valleybrook Gardens tradition, is timed to coincide with the South African spring and its attendant wildflower displays. It will explore the richest floral kingdom on earth, the country’s spectacular scenery and wildlife, leading nurseries and garden centres. Although the trip provides a significant educational and business benefit, participation in the tour also includes a wide range of sightseeing activities. An optional stay at a luxurious game reserve is also offered to complete this once in a lifetime African experience. The tour will be led by John and Kelly Schroeder, utilizing local guides and experts, and is designed for landscape, nursery or garden center professionals. For more information, contact the Schroeders at 1 (800) 824-1120, via email to js@valleybrook.com, or visit www.valleybrook.com and click on “Horticulture Tours.”
Northwest Landscape Supply Ltd. recently added Mark Warkentin to its outside sales department. Warkentin joins Northwest
from Dominion Masonry; he has also owned his own landscaping business. The combined experience will be invaluable for Northwest, which provides landscape and architectural stone to contractors in western Canada and the U.S. As New Accounts Manager, Warkentin fills a new role in the expanding sales team. ■
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BCLN
Safety Pays
Daily tool-box training sessions, sometimes referred to as “tailgate meetings,” are best used to provide workers with safety advisories for the task at hand. In a few short minutes, you can remind your workers of hazards or happenings on the site, ensure tasks are clearly understood, answer questions from your staff, or introduce a new safety tip, tool or piece of equipment. This is also a great time to empower key personnel by having them take the initiative to lead a session or participate in a dialogue. The CNLA has published a book called Landscape On-Sites to help you plan topics for your daily meeting. While it has been designed for landscapers, many topics can be applied to nursery and retail settings. You can order the book or download and print it in part or in its entirety at www.canadanursery.com. WorkSafeBC also has a massive library of similar info-sheets available for printing or perusal at www.worksafebc.com.
Consider High Safety Risks As you work through your safety plan and develop training sessions for your staff, consider the aspects of your business that might cause a high safety risk. Below are just a few (a good staff-meeting exercise is to work through some risk factors with your team): Risk Factor Seasonal & Temporary Labourers Hazards These workers are often unfamiliar with job, their skills may not be matched to the tasks at hand, and employers often don’t consider themselves to be responsible for them. Injury Potential Increases when not given introductory training, not adequately supervised, employers are not specific enough in explaining their needs to temp agencies, temp agency does not adequately assess candidates.
Indu Reduce Risks Treating these workers as new, inexperienced workers, and afford them the same task-specific training you would any new employee. Work with temp agency to define your specific needs.
Injury Potential Increases when workers are situated in awkward positions, perform the same manual tasks for extended periods, use incorrect tools for the job, have badly organized workspaces or work paths, tools are inadequately maintained.
Risk Factor New & Young Workers Hazards Employers often overlook simple details of a job, forgetting that a new or young worker may not perceive risks or intuitively understand them. Injury Potential Increases when employers assume prior experience is directly applicable to the task at hand, or that existing employees are familiar with new jobs; also when no plan exists for orienting new staff, or these workers act hastily when trying to impress a new boss. Reduce Risks Have a new worker orientation plan and review it regularly; consider someone a “new” worker when (s)he begins working for your company, undertakes a new job within the company, moves to a new location or jobsite, or is placed with a different work team. Risk Factor Materials Handling Hazards The source of some of the most common injuries to workers. Injury Potential Increases when workers are inadequately trained, unfit for the job, do not stretch prior to engaging in strenuous activity, have an unhealed existing injury, engage in repetitive motion, are working in cramped or cluttered spaces, fail to use appropriate lifting guidelines. Reduce Risks Access WorkSafeBC’s extensive resources on lifting and bending, ensure workers are job-fit, adjust workpaths to prevent twisting, supply applicable safety gear, alternate repetitive tasks between workers. Risk Factor Hand Tools & Computers Hazards Repetitive strain injuries.
Reduce Risks Ensure tools are appropriate size, weight, and function for worker and task; maintain tools regularly (e.g. sharpen pruners, oil moving parts), rotate repetitive tasks between workers, inspect workspaces/ paths for proper ergonomics. Source: Excerpted from Safety in Horticulture: an OH&S Resource Kit. The publication is produced by SafeWork South Australia, and is available online at www.safework.sa.gov.au. Search for “Safety in Horticulture.”
Did you know? A recent study from the University of British Columbia found that people with active lifestyles during leisure time were less susceptible to upper body repetitive strain injuries (RSI) than those whose leisure time was sedentary. ■
Occupational First Aid Course Landscapers • Retailers • Growers Take this potentially life-saving course, and sign up your staff for effective first response and peace of mind! March 5, 2008 8:30 am – 4:30 pm BCLNA’s Cloverdale office Deadline to register February 20
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21st Annual BCLNA OFFICE: 604-574-7772; 800-421-7963
eve n ts
Industry
and programs
BC Home & Garden Show February 20 – 24 BC Place Stadium Vancouver, BC www.bchomeandgardenshow.com
Fundraising AUCTION Tuesday, February 26 ◆ 3:30 p.m. United Flower Growers ◆ 4085 Marine Way, Burnaby
Mardi Gras Theme Friends & family welcome, Costumes encouraged! Proceeds go toward market development, scholarships, and an exam fee for one lucky CHT candidate.
Western Canada Turfgrass Conference & Show February 24 – 27 Penticton Trade & Convention Centre Penticton, BC www.wctaturf.com
BCLNA Fundraising Auction February 26 United Flower Growers Co-Op Burnaby, BC www.bclna.com
Dry Stonewalling Workshop March 11–12 & 13 –14 Two 2-day workshops! Northwest Landscape Supply Ltd. Burnaby, BC www.bclna.com/03-11-08_Stonewalling.pdf
BCSLA Convention & Trade Show May 2 – 3 Plaza 500 Hotel & Convention Centre Vancouver, BC www.bcsla.org
Burnaby Rhododendron Festival May 4 Shadbolt Centre for the Arts Burnaby, BC www.brags.ca
Out of Province Events Northwest Flower & Garden Show February 20 – 24 Washington Convention Centre Seattle, WA www.gardenshow.com
Sanitize with certainty Sanitization can be very costly if not done effectively. • Iotron takes sanitization to a new level, offering Nursery Growers unparalleled results. • Iotron utilizes irradiation technology to eliminate Pathogens, fungi and molds on pots, trays, and styroblocks. • Iotron's sanitization method fully penetrates materials like an X-ray, effectively sterilizing the material.
Field trials have proven that the sanitization level of pots prior to planting can affect plant yields.
Money does grow on trees! Be confident that your pots, trays or styroblocks are the cleanest they can be from the start. A disease free environment creates disease free plants.
Benefits • Re-use old pots, trays & styroblock • Increase plant yields • Reduce maintenance on plants • Environmentally friendly process • No more need for harsh chemicals, steam or hot water
If your sanitization method leaves you uncertain, then it's definitely time to make a change.
Canada Blooms March 12 –16 Metro Toronto Convention Centre Toronto, ON www.canadablooms.com
For For more more information information please please contact contact Iotron Iotron Technologies Technologies Corp. Corp. 1425 1425 Kebet Kebet Way, Way, Port Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, BC BC V3C V3C 6L3 6L3 Ph. Ph. (604)945-8838 (604)945-8838 Fax. Fax. (604)945-8827 (604)945-8827 Website Website www.Iotron.com www.Iotron.com Email: Email: rkhansen@Iotron.com rkhansen@Iotron.com
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#FTU
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